Early Headship Coaching Offer (EHCO)

The Early Headship Coaching Offer is a yearlong programme of support, tailored for the needs of headteachers in their first five years of headship. The programme is unassessed and provides bespoke support and networking drawing on the best evidence available about what makes an effective headteacher.

What is the EHCO

The Early Headship Coaching Offer is designed to take into account the workload of a new headteacher.

Through the four-stage learning cycle, you will be offered a rich blend of online and asynchronous learning experiences.

  • The EHCO begins with a 360 diagnostic to assess your knowledge and skills alongside colleagues in school. The outcomes of this report will inform your EHCO personalised learning journey, so that you navigate the research base to fulfil your goals and objectives.

  • Throughout the programme you will have access to an extensive research base that relates to each of the 10 headship standards. Research can be accessed through online learning modules, at a time that is convenient for you. A synthesised research base also ensures all headship areas are explored, with the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills with key areas personalised to your own context.

  • Through expert led- group coaching you will have the opportunity to reflect on your EHCO objectives, considering how you have drawn on the research to implement and refine your objectives, relating to your school improvement approach. Each coach offers extensive headship experience. This is used to support and lead you in your leadership reflection and consider where to prioritise your focuses.

  • Peer support networks provide a valuable opportunity to meet with headteachers nationally to collaborate, explore, co-construct, share best practice and build sustained professional relationships.

How much will it cost?

The DfE have now confirmed funding for NPQ Cohort 9, which will begin in November 2025.

You can find out more information here.

 

For more information contact us at npq@churchofengland.org

Apply now

Applications are now open! Find out more here

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  • " The EHCO has been a great opportunity to share good practice and areas of concerns with colleagues across a wide range of establishments. The coaching sessions in particular have been very useful and have given me space, I otherwise would not have had, to reflect and consider my own personal future developments and direction. Thank you. "

  • " It was very good to liaise with other Headteachers in the coaching sessions. It was also good to speak with the coach who was very experienced. The coaching sessions were a good way to reflect on the content that was delivered and on our own experiences. It is a good course, and I wish I had had it earlier in my Headship. "

  • " Networking with other new heads was a bonus of this course. I was able to share areas of strength and concern without judgement."

  • " The EHCO was useful for talking to other Headteachers in a similar position at the beginning of their career. Everyone was honest about the challenges they were facing, which was reassuring to hear. "